Exercise Hoop

ABSTRACT

An exercise hoop is assembled from arcuate segments attached end to end. Each segment has a base with male and female fittings at opposite ends and a sidewall extending between the ends. The sidewall defines a central space and a centerline. A cover attaches to the base. The base and the cover have reinforcing bulkheads to prevent kinking and use stirrups to engage legs having feet deflected by a deflector body to provide positive mechanical engagement between the base and the cover to secure each to the other. End to end attachment of the segments is secured using a spring biased button detent in the male fitting that engages an opening in the female fitting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/970,060, filed Mar. 25, 2014, which provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns exercise devices, in particular, hoop devices.

BACKGROUND

Exercise activities involving hoops, such as the once ubiquitous “hula hoop” incorporate an element of fun into the regimen and thereby provide greater incentive to exercise regularly and to good effect. It is advantageous for the hoops to be easily portable, as a hoop of relatively large diameter is bulky and difficult to transport. To this end, modern exercise hoops may be readily assembled for use and disassembled into a plurality of short segments that fit in a small carrying case.

However, prior art exercise hoops, both unitary and mufti-piece designs, suffer from a lack of robustness. They kink easily when subjected to even modest point loads and go “out of round”, at which point they are substantially useless for serious exercise. There is clearly a need for an exercise hoop that breaks down into combines the portability of a multi-segment design with the necessary robustness to withstand hard use.

SUMMARY

The invention concerns an exercise hoop. In one example embodiment the exercise hoop comprises a plurality of arcuate segments joined to one another end to end to form a closed loop. In a particular example embodiment, at least one of the arcuate segments comprises a base comprising a male fitting at one end and a female fitting at an opposite end. A sidewall extends between and connects the fittings to one another. The sidewall partially surrounds and defines a central space and a lengthwise extending centerline. A plurality of first bulkheads are positioned within the central space. The first bulkheads are positioned in spaced apart relation to one another lengthwise along the base. The first bulkheads are attached to the sidewall. A cover is removably mounted on the base and encloses the central space.

In a specific example embodiment, the sidewall has a convex surface facing away from the central space and a concave surface facing the central space. Further by way of example, the cover comprises an arcuate shell having a concave surface and a convex surface oppositely disposed.

In a further example, the cover comprises a plurality of second bulkheads attached to the concave surface. The second bulkheads are positioned in spaced apart relation to one another lengthwise along the cover in this example.

By way of example, at least one of the first bulkheads has an “X” shaped cross section. In a further example, at least one of the first bulkheads is oriented transversely to the centerline. For example, at least one of the first bulkheads is oriented perpendicularly to the centerline.

Further by way of example, at least one of the second bulkheads has an “X” shaped cross section. In a further example, at least one of the second bulkheads is oriented transversely to the centerline. For example, at least one of the second bulkheads is oriented perpendicularly to the centerline.

In a specific example embodiment, the male fitting has a polygonal cross sectional shape. Similarly by way of example, the female fitting has a polygonal interior shape for receiving the male fitting. In a particular example embodiment, the male fitting has a hexagonal cross sectional shape. Further by way of example, the female fitting has a hexagonal interior shape for receiving the male fitting.

An example hoop embodiment further comprises a projection positioned on the male fitting and projecting outwardly away from the central space. The projection is movable toward and away from the central space. A spring acts between the male fitting and the projection and biases the projection outwardly away from the central space.

In another example embodiment, the male fitting defines a bore surrounding the central space. In this example embodiment, the exercise hoop further comprises an end cap covering an end of the male fitting. The end cap has a boss projecting transversely thereto and into the central space. The boss is engageable with the projection when the projection moves toward the central space for limiting motion thereof.

In one example embodiment, the exercise hoop further comprises a stirrup mounted on the base within the central space. A deflector body is mounted on the base adjacent to the stirrup. A flexible leg is mounted on the cover. The leg has a foot extending transversely therefrom. Upon mounting of the cover onto the base the leg engages the deflector body and is moved toward the stirrup, the foot thereby engaging the stirrup and holding the cover in engagement with the base.

In another example embodiment, the exercise hoop further comprises a stirrup mounted on the cover. A deflector body is mounted on the cover adjacent to the stirrup. A flexible leg is mounted on the base within the central space. The leg has a foot extending transversely therefrom. Upon mounting of the cover onto the base the leg engages the deflector body and is moved toward the stirrup, the foot thereby engaging the stirrup and holding the cover in engagement with the base.

In yet another example embodiment, the exercise hoop further comprises a pair of stirrups mounted in spaced relation on the base within the central space. A deflector body is mounted on the base between the stirrups. A pair of flexible legs is mounted in spaced relation on the cover. Each of the legs has a foot extending transversely therefrom. Upon mounting of the cover onto the base the legs engage the deflector body and are moved away from one another toward the stirrups, the feet thereby respectively engage the stirrups and hold the cover in engagement with the base. In a particular example of this embodiment, each of the stirrups comprises a stirrup plate having an opening therein for receiving the foot, the stirrup plates being oriented transversely to the centerline. Further in this embodiment, each of the legs comprises a leg plate, the leg plates being oriented transversely to the centerline. In this example, the deflector body comprises a deflector plate oriented transversely to the stirrup plates.

In another example embodiment of the exercise hoop further comprises a pair of stirrups mounted in spaced apart relation on the cover. A deflector body is mounted on the cover between the stirrups. A pair of flexible legs is mounted on the base within the central space. Each of the legs has a foot extending transversely therefrom. Upon mounting of the cover onto the base the legs engage the deflector body and are moved away from one another toward the stirrups, the feet thereby respectively engage the stirrups and hold the cover in engagement with the base. In a particular example of this embodiment, each of the stirrups comprises a stirrup plate having an opening therein for receiving the foot. The stirrup plates are oriented transversely to the centerline. Each of the legs comprises a leg plate, the leg plates being oriented transversely to the centerline. In this example, the deflector body comprises a deflector plate oriented transversely to the stirrup plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example exercise hoop according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the exercise hoop shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a segment of the exercise hoop shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of a segment shown on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an end of a segment of the exercise hoop shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an end cap used with the segment shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a component of the hoop segment shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an example exercise hoop 10 according to the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, hoop 10 comprises a plurality of arcuate segments 12 joined end to end to form the closed loop 14 illustrated in FIG. 1. An example segment 12 is shown in FIG. 3. Segment 12 comprises a base 16 having a male fitting 18 at one end 20, and a female fitting 22 at the opposite end 24. A sidewall 26 extends between and connects the male and female fittings 18 and 22 to one another. Sidewall 26 partially surrounds and defines a central space 28 and a lengthwise extending centerline 30. In the example hoop 10, the sidewall has a convex surface 32 facing away from the central space 28, and a concave surface 34 facing the central space.

A cover 36 is removably mounted on the base 16. Cover 32 may be decorative, in that it may be a different color from the base 16, or have surface ornamentation or indicia thereon. In this example embodiment the cover comprises an arcuate shell 38 having a convex surface 40 and a concave surface 42 oppositely disposed. When cover 36 is mounted on base 16 the concave surface 42 faces the central space 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, both the base 16 and the cover 36 have a plurality of bulkheads 44 and 46, respectively. Bulkheads 44 on the base 16 are positioned within the central space 28 and are attached to the concave surface 34 of sidewall 26 in spaced apart relation lengthwise along the segment 12. Similarly, bulkheads 46 on the cover 36 are attached to the concave surface 42 in spaced apart relation lengthwise along the cover. Bulkheads 44 and 46 are oriented transversely to the centerline 30 and serve to reinforce the sidewall 26 and prevent buckling and kinking of the segments 12 when they are subjected to point loads. Example bulkheads may have an “X” shaped cross section as shown at 44 a, or may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the centerline 30 as shown at 44 b and 46.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of stirrups 48 may be mounted on either or both the base 16 and the cover 36. In this example embodiment, as shown in detail in FIG. 4, each stirrup 48 comprises a plate 50 positioned within the central space 28 and attached to the concave surface 34 of the sidewall 26. Stirrup plates 50 are oriented transversely to the centerline 30. Each stirrup 48 has an opening 52 therein as explained in detail below. The stirrups 48 may be used singly, but it is advantageous to use them in pairs with a deflector body 54 positioned between them. As shown in FIG. 4, an example deflector body comprises a plate 56 oriented transversely to the stirrup plates 50. The deflector plates 56 are also attached to the concave surface 34 of the sidewall 26 and engage and deflect flexible legs 58 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the cover 36 when the cover is mounted on the base 16. The flexible legs 58 may also be grouped in pairs as shown to cooperate with the stirrup pairs. In this embodiment, each leg 58 comprises a flexible plate 60 attached to the concave surface 42 of the cover 36 and oriented transversely to the centerline 30. A foot 62 extends transversely from plate 60 and is forced into engagement with the opening 52 in the stirrup plate 50 when the leg plate 60 is deflected by the deflector plate 56 as the cover 36 is engaged with the base 16. Engagement between the feet 62 and the stirrups 48 provides the mechanical engagement which retains the cover 36 to the base 16. The locations of the stirrup pairs 48 and the leg pairs 58 are coordinated between the base 16 and the cover 36 so that they align and cooperate with one another when the cover is attached to the base. Deflector plates 56 may have angularly oriented edges 64 to facilitate deflecting of the legs 58 outwardly away from one another so that the feet 62 are forced into engagement with the openings 52 in the stirrup plates 50 when the legs are inserted between them. The example as described features the stirrups 48 and deflector bodies 54 mounted on the base 16 and the legs 58 mounted on the cover 36, but it is understood that the relative positions of these elements could be reversed.

FIG. 5 shows in detail end 20 of segment 12 and the male fitting 18. In this example the male fitting 18 has a hexagonal cross section 66. When used in conjunction with a female fitting 22 (see FIG. 3) having a hexagonal interior shape the complementary polygonal (hexagonal in this case) shapes prevents relative rotation between segments 12 about the centerline 30. Other cross sectional and interior shapes for the male and female fittings respectively are of course feasible.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the male fitting 18 defines a bore 68 surrounding the central space 28. A projection 70 is positioned on the male fitting 18 and projects outwardly away from the central space 28. The projection may be in the form of a button 72 as shown in detail in FIG. 7 and is mounted on male fitting 18 to be movable toward and away from the central space 28. A spring (not shown) acts between the male fitting 18 and the projection 70 (button 72) to bias it outwardly away from the central space. Thus configured, projection 70 is able to cooperate with an opening 74 in a mating female fitting 22 (see FIG. 3) and act as a detent to permit segments 12 to be readily joined end to end and disassembled. As is well understood, when the male fitting 18 engages a female fitting 22 to assemble the hoop 10 the projection 70 (button 72) is depressed and permits engagement. When the projection aligns with the opening 74 the spring biases the projection away from the central space 28 and up through the opening 74, providing positive mechanical engagement that prevents the segments from being separated. To separate the segments the projection 70 is depressed against the spring biasing. The projection no longer extends through the opening 74 and the mechanical engagement between the fittings is lost, allowing the male fitting 18 to be withdrawn and the segments to be separated.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, it is advantageous to use an end cap 76 to seal off the bore 68 of the male fitting 18. End cap 76 is shown in detail in FIG. 6 and comprises a boss 78 that projects transversely into the central space 28 when the end cap 76 is mounted on the end of male fitting 18. Boss 78 is engageable with projection 70 and acts as a stop to limit the travel of the projection into the central space 28.

Exercise hoops as described herein may be made from polymer resins such as polypropylene in an injection molding process. Such materials are advantageous because they provide for a light weight, strong hoop with great impact resistance to withstand hard use and the necessary flexibility and resilience to be repeatedly assembled and disassembled.

Exercise hoops according to the invention are easily broken down for convenient transport, readily assembled, and are robust due to their internal reinforcement so as to provide a long lasting and effective device for exercise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise hoop, comprising: a plurality of arcuate segments joined to one another end to end to form a closed loop, wherein at least one of said arcuate segments comprises: a base comprising a male fitting at one end and a female fitting at an opposite end; a sidewall extending between and connecting said fittings to one another, said sidewall partially surrounding and defining a central space and a lengthwise extending centerline; a plurality of first bulkheads positioned within said central space, said first bulkheads being positioned in spaced apart relation to one another lengthwise along said base, said first bulkheads being attached to said sidewall; a cover removably mounted on said base and enclosing said central space.
 2. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein said sidewall has a convex surface facing away from said central space and a concave surface facing said central space.
 3. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein said cover comprises an arcuate shell having a concave surface and a convex surface oppositely disposed.
 4. The exercise hoop according to claim 3, wherein said cover comprises a plurality of second bulkheads attached to said concave surface, said second bulkheads being positioned in spaced apart relation to one another lengthwise along said cover.
 5. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first bulkheads has an “X” shaped cross section.
 6. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first bulkheads is oriented transversely to said centerline.
 7. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first bulkheads is oriented perpendicularly to said centerline.
 8. The exercise hoop according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said second bulkheads has an “X” shaped cross section.
 9. The exercise hoop according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said second bulkheads is oriented transversely to said centerline.
 10. The exercise hoop according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said second bulkheads is oriented perpendicularly to said centerline.
 11. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein said male fitting has a polygonal cross sectional shape.
 12. The exercise hoop according to claim 11, wherein said female fitting has a polygonal interior shape for receiving said male fitting.
 13. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, wherein said male fitting has a hexagonal cross sectional shape.
 14. The exercise hoop according to claim 13, wherein said female fitting has a hexagonal interior shape for receiving said male fitting.
 15. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, further comprising: a projection positioned on said male fitting and projecting outwardly away from said central space, said projection being movable toward and away from said central space; a spring acting between said male fitting and said projection and biasing said projection outwardly away from said central space.
 16. The exercise hoop according to claim 15, wherein said male fitting defines a bore surrounding said central space, said exercise hoop further comprising: an end cap covering an end of said male fitting, said end cap having a boss projecting transversely thereto and into said central space, said boss being engageable with said projection when said projection moves toward said central space for limiting motion thereof.
 17. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, further comprising: a stirrup mounted on said base within said central space; a deflector body mounted on said base adjacent to said stirrup; a flexible leg mounted on said cover, said leg having a foot extending transversely therefrom; wherein upon mounting of said cover onto said base said leg engages said deflector body and is moved toward said stirrup, said foot thereby engaging said stirrup and holding said cover in engagement with said base.
 18. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, further comprising: a stirrup mounted on said cover; a deflector body mounted on said cover adjacent to said stirrup; a flexible leg mounted on said base within said central space, said leg having a foot extending transversely therefrom; wherein upon mounting of said cover onto said base said leg engages said deflector body and is moved toward said stirrup, said foot thereby engaging said stirrup and holding said cover in engagement with said base.
 19. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of stirrups mounted in spaced relation on said base within said central space; a deflector body mounted on said base between said stirrups; a pair of flexible legs mounted in spaced relation on said cover, each of said legs having a foot extending transversely therefrom; wherein upon mounting of said cover onto said base said legs engage said deflector body and are moved away from one another toward said stirrups, said feet thereby respectively engaging said stirrups and holding said cover in engagement with said base.
 20. The exercise hoop according to claim 19, wherein: each of said stirrups comprises a stirrup plate having an opening therein for receiving said foot, said stirrup plates being oriented transversely to said centerline; each of said legs comprises a leg plate, said leg plates being oriented transversely to said centerline; and said deflector body comprises a deflector plate oriented transversely to said stirrup plates.
 21. The exercise hoop according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of stirrups mounted in spaced apart relation on said cover; a deflector body mounted on said cover between said stirrups; a pair of flexible legs mounted on said base within said central space, each of said legs having a foot extending transversely therefrom; wherein upon mounting of said cover onto said base said legs engage said deflector body and are moved away from one another toward said stirrups, said feet thereby respectively engaging said stirrups and holding said cover in engagement with said base.
 22. The exercise hoop according to claim 21, wherein: each of said stirrups comprises a stirrup plate having an opening therein for receiving said foot, said stirrup plates being oriented transversely to said centerline; each of said legs comprises a leg plate, said leg plates being oriented transversely to said centerline; and said deflector body comprises a deflector plate oriented transversely to said stirrup plates. 